Plow



July 8, 1952 l J. M. MARKEI. 2,602,389

PLOW

Filed oct. 14, 194s 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 J. M. MARKEL July s, 1952 Pnow ` 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Oct. 14, 1948 Patented July 8, 19,52

PLOW

John M. Markel, Rockford, Ill.,

Case Company, Racine, Wis., a

Wisconsin assignor to J. I. corporation of Application October 14, 1948, Serial No. 54,423

8 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved plow construction, and in particular relates to an improved construction for tractor mounted plows.

There are numerous advantages in the use of tractor supported plows. The tractor provides a relatively inexpensive means of transporting and controlling the action of the plow bottoms, and in addition, it provides a relatively stable support for the plows with resultant improved plowing action. Further, since the plow bottoms of a tractor mounted plow structure are supported closely adjacent to the rearward end of the tractor, it is possible to till soil which is adjacent to fences and other obstructions.

However, despite the advantages of tractor supp'ortedplowa various difliculties have been encountered supporting and controlling the plow bottoms, and these difficulties have tended to restrict the use of such plows. When the plow bottoms of a tractor mounted plow strike an obstruction in the eld during operation, the plow tends to dig under the obstruction and this action tends tot raise the forward end of the tractor. Under these conditions it is extremely dificult to break the plows free from the obstruction, and in someinstances the shock incident to hitting the yobstruction or the stresses resulting from freeing the plow, may warpy or twist'the plow supporting frame suinciently to necessitate extensive repairs.

Because of the above difculties, theprior art tractor mounted plows were usually provided with a heavy, rigid supporting frame which was diicult to mount on and to dismount from the associated tractor. Further, because of the massive construction, adequate provision could not be made for conveniently adjusting the angular position of the plow bottoms relativey to the vertical', transverselyof the line of draft of the tractor. If the plows are to operate most efficiently,

angular adjustment of this character should be Y made by the operator, during operation, for various types and conditions Vof soil.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of a tractor mounted plow of generally improved construction. A more specific object ofthe invention is the provision of a plow structure which will be light in weight, which will be readily adaptable to all working conditions, and which may be easily attached to and detached from theassociated tractor. Other objects of the invention will become known by reference to the following description and the f accompanying drawings of one embodiment thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a -plow embodying vvarious features of the invention.'

The plow as illustrated is mounted on attractor,

the plow bottoms being in lowered orplowing position; v Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. .1 showing'the plow in the raised or transport position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view which shows the plow structure detached from thetractor;

Fig. 4 is anenlarged fragmentaryview of a releasable locking means which forms apart of the apparatus illustrated in the preceding drawings;l and l Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken on line 5--5 in Fig. 4.

In general, a plow in accordance w'thfthe invention includes a frame II adapted to be adjustably supported on the tractor T which is to be associated with the plow. The frame II is adapted to be releasably inter-engaged with a sub-frame I3 which carries the usual plow loot-l` l toms l?` and coulters C. Means are also provided 'y intermediate the frame II and the sub-frame I3 i" for adjusting the angular positionof the' plow bottoms P relative to the vertical, transversely of the line of draft-of the tractor T.

In the embodiment ofthe invention includes longitudinally'and transversely extend` ing structural members I5 and I7, respectively," which form a frame section I9 of rectangular'r shape. The longitudinal members I5 of the sec'- tion I 9 extend beyond the transverse members lI'I to provide a pair of spaced apart, projecting arms 2| andk 23 at the forward and rearward ends, respectively, of the rectangular section I9. The rectangular section I9 is hingedly attached by means of the projecting arms 2l at its forwardv end to a transversely extending, connecting ,orv

angle member 25 which is attached to the underside of the associated tractor T adjacent therear axle housing. Each of the ends of the connecting member 25 are braced by a pair ofmembers a clevis 33 attached to the connecting member 25 v(Figs. 1, 2, and 3). The rearward end of the rectangular-shaped frame section I9 is adjustaillustrated,1 l the frame II is of fabricated construction and order to provide for the ready detachment of the frame II from the tractor T, the crank arm 3T, the control lever 39, and the quadrant and latching arrangement, in the illustrated embodiment, f are supported upon a two-piece ring43" which is adapted to be clamped around the rear axle A of the tractor T by suitable bolts 45- or the like.

The frame II also includes a bail-like draft section 41 (Fig. 3) which is pivotally attached for vertical movement to the rearwardly extending arms 23 of the rectangular-shaped frame fsection ,I9. The bail-like section 4I includes a horizontally disposed, transversely extending cross. bar A49=which has a forwarly extending connect-v ing arm 5| attached to` each of its ends. An 'offset bracket is attached to the forward end of eachv of the connecting arms 5I to provide a fork 53 which is adapted to embrace one'of the rearwardly extending arms 23 Vof the rectangularl frame section I9. Each of the forks 53is -attached to one of the rearwardly extending arms 23 by a transverselyextending, horizontally dis' posedipivot pin 55'.V As-illustrated,fone of the pivot pins;55` may also be employed to connect the lower end of the supporting link to the rec-- tangularframe section I9.

The tractor T illustrated in the drawings. is provided lat itsrearward end with a hydraulic control system'which includes 'a pair of mechanicallyconnectedhinged lifting arms L which are.V actuated-by a hydraulic ram R controlled by the hydraulic system. The lifting arms L are counter-balanced fby coil springs S which connect eachiof the arms vL witha bracket on the tractor f chassis forward of the-arms'L. In order to providefffor.- power lifting theY plow structure, each endof the cross bar 49is provided with a reinforced beanng plate 51-which`is adapted to bek supported upon one of the'ramactuated lifting arms f-Lof' the tractor Yhydraulic system. In this connection, the connecting1V arms 5I should' be proportioned so that the platesV 5l'- engage the lifting arms :L for the entire lifting cycle of the hydraulic system. When the "hydraulic ram sys-Y tem. is actuated to raise the lifting arms L, the ends of `these arms act upon the bearing plates 51 and. raise :the rearward end of the bail-like section, the forward rectangular shaped section remainingin the position determined by the controllever and quadrant 4 I. In the event that the; plow structure of the invention is used with a y tractor ywhich has liftingjarrns located in another position, it' will 'be understood thatthe liftingA arms rwill-be connected to the `bail-like section ll'lV bya suitable linkage.

A rearwardly' extending shaft or interconnecting member 59 (Fig..3) is attached to, and extendsrearwardly from; a depending bracket QI on `the-center Vportion ofthe crossl member 49.UY The rmember 59is ladapted tointer-engage-the sub-frame :I3 whichcarriesathe plow bottoms` P. and1-coultersr C with the bail-like sectionv dl",- as will-hereinafterappear.

The plow .carrying section ,or sub-framed 3M isr alsosof ffabricated .constructoin' andi-includes, a 1

4 pair of mechanically interconnected, spaced apart plow beams 63. A plow bottom P is attached to the rearward end of each of the plow beams 63, and a disc type coulter C is supported from the plow beams B3 adjacent each plow bottom P in the usual manner. W is attached to the rearward end of the subframe structure y to'aid in controlling l.the "plows duringoperation'. The forward ends of the plow beams 63 are parallel and are rigidly interconnected in spaced-apart relation by forward and rearward transverse braces 65 and 5l respectively and by suitable diagonal braces 69.

The subframe I3 which carries the plow bottoms.is-releasablyconnected to the frame II in the tractor T'bymeans of the shaft 59 which extends longitudinally of the line of draft of the tractor. In this connection means are provided for1.connecting one end of the shaft 59 to the frame I I and means for connecting the other end of thesshaft 59 tothe sub-frame I3; One ofthe means Vconnecting the shaft59V tothe frame or sub-frame I3 isrreleasable in response to overa predetermined amount of forceso that the frame:

and sub-frame will be 4disengaged from oneanothery in the event-that` over a predetermined draft Yforce is requiredfto move the plowbottoms through the-soil. In the illustrated structure the framev IIvis attached to the sub-frame -I3 by meanswhich include a tubular member 'Il which engages the rearwardly extending interconnecting member-,orshaft 59-on the crossbar. 49-of the I bail-like frame section 41. The tubular. member 1| extends intermediate v,the forward and rearrfward. transverse -braces,.55-and 'hof the-sub-Y frame VI 3-and is rigidly connected to each of these braces.

permitthe rearwardlyextending member or shaft 59 to fit within the hollow portion of the tube vl I.

The forward end ofthe' tube 'II is inreffectcontinued forwardly of the .forward cross brace 65 by'a flared guide I5 of generallysemi-oircular f cross s' section.. The guidex l5, --as'- illustrated in' Fig-3, is Yadapted to guide the vshaft-59 into thetubuiarmember- 'I I The guide'l vis proportioned to Vfit varound-the .dependingVv bracket Blf in rthe crossbar49'-so'that-the crossbar49 and theI brace t5 may be brought into abutting relation.

' As before pointed out, means are provided-'for releasablylocking the frame I I and thesub-frame I3 together.' In this connection the rearward transverse brace 6l includes'a pair of rigid, downwardly extending ears TI, one of-whichis dis-1 able pivot; as-for example thelbolt I-illustrated in Fig. 4. A pair of off-set; guiding brackets 83 for the clamping arms 'I9 areA attached to Athe transverse brace l6T, the brackets 83 being. pro'- portionedtoguide -theclamping arms 'I9 asl they swing about the bolts' 8i.

opening` 73, is shaped tofprovide a rounded dertent portion 85.` The rearwardend of. theshaft 59 on the bail-like. section 4'! of the tractor supported frame nII Yis-provided with a tapered-end section '87 which is adapted to facilitate insertion of the shaft'59 into the tubular member 1I. The Shaft 53 is also provided with a peripheral groove A conventional furrow wheel An.V apertureroropening I3 (Figs and 4) is provided ineach .ofthe transversebraces to The locking The edge'of each ofk the clamping arms '19, which are adjacent the engagement with the shaft 59 to prevent thev frame |v from pulling away from the sub-frame I3 during normaloperation, means are provided for resiliently biasing the arms-19 together. The f biasing means, in the villustrated structure, includes a hollow, tubular member 9| supported on the upper end of each of the clamping arms 19, the tubular members 9| being axially aligned to form a guideway.Y A bolt or the like, 93, of

suitable length, is inserted through the'aligned openings in the tubular members 9|, and a compression spring 95 is provided to act intermediate a washer 91 which abuts the end of one of the tubular members anda pair of stop nuts 99 on the end of the bolt 93. The engaging force between the arms 19 and the groove 89 can be varied by changing the position of the nuts 99 on the bolt 93. A suitable spacing block is attached to one of the clamping arms 19 to maintain the arms in a position which will vpermit the tapered portion`81 of the shaft 59 to pass between the arms.

As pointed out above, the sub-frame I3 is attached to the bail-like section 41 of the frame |I by means of the shaft 59 which in effect constitutes a longitudinally extending pivot. When thesection 41 and' the sub-frame I3 are interconnected, the transverse brace 65 abuts the crossbar 49 and these elements are free to rotate relative to one another. I3 relative to the bail-like section 41 permits adjustment of the angularrelation of the plow bottoms P to the'vertical, transversely of the line of draft of the implement. In order that the plows will be held at the desired position during operation, an adjustingA means |93 (Figs. 1, 2, and 3) is provided intermediate the crossbar 49 and the cross brace 65, this means being operable to hold the plows in the desired position.

The adjusting means |03 in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, includes a generally vertically extending shaft which is provided with a threaded portion at its lower end and having its upper end shaped to form a crank |01. The lower threaded portion of the shaft |05 is adapted Ito be screwed'into and out of a threaded bracket |09 on the forward end of the sub-frame I3.v The shaft V|05, intermediate the threaded portion and the crank portion |01, is provided with a pair of spaced apart disks ||I which are rigidly attached to the shaft |05. The adjusting means |03 also includes a forkedbracket I|3 which is adapted to be attached to the crossbar 49 of the bail-like section 41, the bracket ||3` is spaced from the shaft 59 and is positioned to register with the shaft portion of the crank |01 when the plow sub-frame I3 is attached to theV The forked bail-like section 41 on the tractor. portions of the bracket II3 are proportioned to fit between the spaced apart disks I I on the shaft |05, and adjustment ofthe vertical positions of the plow bottoms P may be accomplished by rothen backed towards the sub-frame I3 which car- Rotation of the sub-frame 6` ries the' plow bottoms and coulters. By turning the tractor and by controlling the height of the bail-like section 41 with the manual control lever 39 and with the hydraulic lifting arms L, the

rearwardly extending connecting shaft 59 enters the tubular member 1I. The tractor T is then backed-up until the peripheral groove 89 at the rearward end of the shaft 59 is engaged by the spring biased clamping arms 19. When backing the tractor to engage the frame I with the subframeV I3, care' should be taken that the disks I I I on .the shaft |05 engage the bifurcated bracket I3 on the crossbar of the bail-like frame section 41. The hydraulic lifting mechanism on the tractor may then be actuated and theplow bottoms lifted from the ground into the transport position.

During operation in the field, the operator lowers the plow bottoms P into the soil by actuating the hydraulic lifting arms L, and the depth f of the furrow made by the plow bottoms and the angularity of the plow bottoms relative to the vertical are adjusted by the hand lever 39 and the adjusting means |03, respectively.r In the event that over a predetermined draft force is required to move the plow bottoms through they soil, as for example when the plow bottoms strike an obstruction, the pull of the tractor upon the vshaft 59 will cause the semilcircular groove 99 to force apart lthe clamping portions of the arms |55 a sufficient amount to permit the shaft 59 to pull out of the tubular member 1I and away from the sub-frame I3. The disengagement of the main or draft frame II from the sub-frame I3, in the event that the draft requirements become too great, insures that the plow structure will not be damaged and that undue strains on the tractor mechanism will be avoided during operation. The' 'construction Yofl the adjusting means |03 is such that the subframe I3 is permitted to pull away from thev frame l I without damaging the adjusting means.

In the event that the sub-frame I3 is'disengaged from the frame II incident to the plow bottoms striking an obstruction in the field, the operator may back the tractor and control the height of the bail-like section 41 of the frame in such a manner that the shaft'59 enters the tubular member 1I tore-engage the sections. After the sections are re-engaged, the operator may continue to back. the tractor and at the same time raise the uiting arms to free the plow bottoms from the obstruction. I I

As pointed out in the foregoing, a plowsupporting structure in accordance with the inven-` t tion permits-a large overall 4reduction in the weight of the supportingframe without theri'sk s l of damaging the plow framedue to strains incident to operation. Further, the plow structure of the invention insures that neither ythe tracto-rf nor vthe plows will be damaged when the plowY bottoms strike an obstruction in thev'ufield.` In

addition to the improved plow support made possible by the invention, provision is also made for adjusting the angular position of 'theplow bottoms relative to vthe vertical, transversely of', the yline of draft of the tractor. This transverse, angular adjustment makes possible theimprov'ed torfforspurposes iotherxthan plowing. The Vplow carrying` section Y'maybe =readily detached from9 thetractor atany time, andthe frame structureI ported plows, 'certain of thev features of the invention Vare applicable toplows in general. cording-ly,vv variousA features of the invention which'are' believed to be new-are set forth in the appendedclaims,..- Y

1. In'a ytractor supported plow, a frame'whichv is adapted to be attached to the tractor associated with said plow, said frame being vertically adjustablerelative to the ground, a sub-frame, at least one plow'bottomattached to-said subframe,-a pivot which extends longitudinally of the line of draft'of'theY associated tractor,means for` connecting one vend of said pivot to said frame andfmeans for connecting the other end of said pivot to said sub-frame, to interlock said frame and said sub-frame for vertical movement, one of said -connecting means being releasable, said releasable connecting means associated with said pivot being operable to disengage said subframe fromsaid tractor supported frame in the event that overa predetermined draft force is required to move the plow bottoms through the soil.

2. `iIn a tractor supported plow, a frame which is adaptedk to be attached to the tractor associated with said plow, said frame being vertically adjustable relative to the ground, a sub-frame, at

least one plow bottom attached to said subframe, and a pivot which extends longitudinally of the line of draft of -the associated tractor,

means for-connecting one end of said pivot to said frameand means for connecting the other,

end of said Apivot to said sub-frame tointerlockv said frame and said sub-frame for vertical movement one of said connecting meansA being releasab1e,.said releasable connecting means associated with said pivot being operable to disengagesaidsub-frame from said tractor supported frame inthe Vevent that over a predetermined Y draft-'force is required to move the plow bottoms through the soil, and releasable means disposed intermediate said sub-frame and said frame at a point'spaced from said pivot for adjusting the attached to said sub-frame, means for attaching said vsub-framevtosaid pivot to interlock said frame and `said. sub-frame for vertical movement, said. last mentioned means including meansk operable to disengage said sub-frame from said pivot in the event that over` a predetermined draft force is required to move the plow bottoms through th soil, and adjustable means disposed intermediate said subframe andsaid bail-like section of said frame at a point spaced from said pivot for determining the relative angular position of said sub-frame relative to said frame whereby the angular position of said plow bottoms is adjustable relative to the vertical, .transverselyof the line of draft of the tractor aboutthe axis'ofY saidpivot, said adjustable means being releasable.

4. In a tractor supported plow, a frame -fwhich v3 is adapted to be attached to the-tractorrassociated with said plow, said frame including a bail-1 like section having a rearwardly extendingY pivot rigidly attached thereto, power operatedV meansrV for adjusting `the'height of said bail-like section relative to the ground, said' pivot having a per `ripheral groove formed therein, a sub-frame; at' least one plow bottom lattached to saidsub-- frame, and means'forreleasably attaching said sub-frame to-- said pivot including resiliently` biased clamping members whichare adapted to s engage the peripheral groove in said pivot, overj a predetermined draft forcel upon said pivot being operable v-to overcome the biasing'forceupon said clamping members and to thereby disengagesaid sub-frame'from said-mainframe.

5. Ina tractor supported plow, a frame which is adapted to be attached to the'tractor associated with said plow, said frameV including a section attached to said tractor, a bail-like section whichhas a crossbar and a pair of forwardlyjextending arms, means for attaching the forward end of each of said. arms to the section of said frame attached to said tractor, power operated means for raising and-lowering the rearward end of said bail-like section, a rearwardly extendingshaft rigidly'attachedto said crossbar, the rearward end vof saidfshaft havinga Vperipheral.

groove formed therein,.a sub-frame, at least one f plow bottom attached to saidfsub-frame, means on said sub-frame for rotatably engaging said shaft, means on said sub-frame forreleasably engaging said shaft including at least one clamping arm movable toengage the peripheral groove v in said' shaft, anda spring for biasing said v clamping arm into the engaged position, over ar predetermined draft'force on saidshaft being operable to overcomeV the `force -of the spring biasing on said clamping armand to thereby disengage said sub-framefrom said bail-like -section.

6. In a tractor supported plow, aframe which is adapted to be attached to'the tractor to be associated'with said plow, said frame including a section attachedto said tractor, a bail-likesection having a crossbar anda pair of forwardly extending'arms, means for attaching the -forward end of each of said arms to vthe section of eratedmeans for raising and lowering the rearward'end. of said bail-like section, a rearwardly Y mined draft force on said shaft being operable' to overcome the force of the spring biasing said clamping arms and to thereby disengage said sub-frame from `said bail-like section, and adjustable means acting' between said sub-frame and said crossbar, at a point spaced from said shaft, for turning said sub-frame about said shaft whereby the angular position of said plow bot- Vtoms'isadjustable relative to the vertical, transversely of the line of draft of the tractor.

7.' In a plow-which is adapted to be supported upon atractorwhich has a pair of' rearwardly 9 extending power operated lift arms, a frame which is adapted to be attached to the tractor, said frame including a section attached to said tractor the rearward end of which is rearwardly positionable relative to said tractor, and a baillike section which includes a crossbar and a pair of forwardly extending arms, the forward ends of said arms being pivotally attached to the rearward end of the section attached to said tractor, means on said crossbar for engaging said power operated lifting arms on the tractor, a rearwardly extending shaft rigidly attached to the center of said crossbar, the rearward end of said shaft having a peripheral groove formed therein, a sub-frame, at least one plow bottom attached to said sub-frame, means on said subframe for releasably engaging said shaft including a tubular member for receiving said shaft and a pair of clamping arms which are adapted to engage the peripheral groove in said shaft, and a spring for biasing said'clamping arms in said groove, over a predetermined draft force on said shaft being operable to overcome the force of the spring biasing said clamping arms and to thereby disengage said sub-frame from said baillike frame section, and adjustable means acting between said sub-frame and said crossbar at a point spaced from said shaft for turning said sub-frame about said shaft, said adjustable means including a bifurcated member on said 10 crossbar and a cooperating adjustably positionable member on said sub-frame which is adapted to register with said bifurcated member, whereby the angular position of said plow bottoms relative to the vertical is determined by the position of said adjustably positionable member.

8. In a tractor-mounted plow, the combination of a tractor, a plow, a pivotal connection between the tractor and the plow releasable upon attainment of a predetermined load, and a guiding connection spaced laterally from the pivotal connection and adjustable up and down to effect leveling of the plow, and said guiding connection being constituted to separate upon relative longitudinal movement between the tractor and the plow in one direction.

JOHN M. MARKET...

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,298,989 Mason Apr. 1, 1919 1,765,788 Daniel June 24, 1930 2,065,015 Nielsen Dec. 22, 1936 2,420,530 Evans May 13, 1947 2,430,696 Acton Nov. 11, 1947 

